{"id":47206,"date":"2019-05-10T10:02:25","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T00:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nofibs.com.au\/?p=47206"},"modified":"2022-05-02T12:51:44","modified_gmt":"2022-05-02T02:51:44","slug":"rust-comes-off-at-tamworth-candidates-forum-newenglandlady4-reports-on-newenglandvotes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/rust-comes-off-at-tamworth-candidates-forum-newenglandlady4-reports-on-newenglandvotes\/","title":{"rendered":"Rust comes off at Tamworth candidates’ forum: @NewEnglandLady4 reports on #NewEnglandVotes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
L-R: New England candidates Cindy Duncan (United Australia Party), Rob Taber (Independent), Natasha Ledger (Independent), Adam Blakester (Independent), Julie Collins (Christian Democratic Party), Tony Lonergan (Greens), Yvonne Langenberg (Labor), Barnaby Joyce (Nationals). Photo: Robyn McAskill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The stark difference between Independent and party-bound electoral candidates came into sharp focus at the Tamworth\u2019s meet the candidates forum on Monday, May 6, with all eight candidates facing members of the New England constituency<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forum was reasonably well patronised, with over 400 people reported to have attended. ABC New England North West radio host Caitlin Furlong facilitated the evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates responded to questions pre-selected and compiled by the Tamworth Business Chamber. Given the current drought conditions, it wasn\u2019t surprising that there were questions about climate change and water security. Other questions covered power policies, childcare, employment, and womens’ issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disappointly, due to the format of the evening, there was no opportunity for the candidates to debate policies or for the audience to challenge candidate statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five non-independent candidates appeared constrained by their party\u2019s messaging and their ‘one-size-fits-every-electorate’ policy approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three Independent candidates, on the other hand, had the flexibility of answering with strategies and policies that echoed the needs of the electorate: it wasn’t about them or the party, it was about the people of New England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate Change and water security<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The majority of candidates agreed that climate change is a serious issue for Australia and has been one of the topics consistently raised by constituents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Australia Party candidate, Cindy Duncan, didn\u2019t impress the audience when she stated that a non-political organisation needs to step up and inform the public regarding climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All candidates agreed that water and water security is a real concern for the New England electorate as well as Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Independent candidate Rob Taber raised a question regarding the suitability of growing cotton on the black soil of the Liverpool Basin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the water security question, Independent candidate Adam Blakester raised the water issues surrounding the Murray-Darling Basin saying: “Commissioner Mick Kelty, appointed to look after the northern basin in our electorate, has concluded that it is rife with vested interests.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

.@adamblakester<\/a> giving his final comments during #NewEnglandVotes<\/a> candidates' forum at Tamworth tonight | #Ausvotes<\/a>\u00a0 #Auspol<\/a>\u00a0 #AusVotes19<\/a>\u00a0 https:\/\/t.co\/eDNhwAKrWH<\/a><\/p>— ????New England Lady (@NewEnglandLady4) May 6, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote>